Mi Second Casa - In Home
📍 601 Rand St, San Mateo CA 94401
🕛 8 AM to 5 PM, M-F
📞 (650) 300-1895
🗓️ Ages served: 3 months – 5 years
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Our in-home program is warm, personal, and family-like. With a maximum of 12 children and three dedicated teachers, we maintain a 1:4 ratio across all ages, giving every child individualized attention and care.
Because our classroom is mixed-age, children learn from one another in natural and meaningful ways. Younger children are inspired by older peers, while preschoolers and toddlers practice leadership, patience, and empathy by guiding those younger than them. We also carve out time for preschoolers and toddlers to focus on age-appropriate activities with their teachers, ensuring every child’s development is supported.
Learning happens through play, exploration, and daily routines, with teachers weaving in Spanish throughout the day so children grow as confident bilingual learners. The home setting makes every child feel like part of an extended family, fostering independence, cooperation, and a strong sense of belonging.
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Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided, with meals that are home-cooked, organic, and culturally rich, reflecting the flavors and values of our community. Pupusas are a favorite, but every meal includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and balanced ingredients that children enjoy.
Eating together feels like a family gathering. Children learn to try new foods, share in conversation, and practice independence while being nourished with meals that taste like home. We happily accommodate dietary restrictions and encourage healthy eating as part of our daily rhythm.
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Children thrive on routine, and our schedule balances structure with flexibility. The day includes cozy circle times, creative indoor play, teacher-guided learning moments, and opportunities for free exploration.
Outdoor time is especially important in our in-home setting. Children take daily exploratory walks to nearby parks, where they observe nature, run, climb, and play. They also take field trips to places like the local grocery store, where everyday experiences become learning opportunities.
The pace of the day reflects the feel of a family home: unhurried, nurturing, and rich with opportunities to learn through daily life.
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Family connections are at the heart of our in-home program. Parents communicate directly with teachers through WhatsApp, where they can share in their child’s day, interact with other families, and feel part of the close-knit community. Families also receive updates through Brightwheel with photos, logs, and daily notes about their child’s meals, sleep, and activities.
The small group size allows for genuine relationships not only between teachers and children but also among families. Parents often get to know each other personally, creating the sense of an extended family village raising children together.
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Even with a home setting, movement is a daily priority. Children enjoy walks around the neighborhood and adventures to local parks, where they can climb, slide, run, and explore. The mixed-age group setting adds to the fun, as younger children build confidence alongside older ones and preschoolers practice leadership and cooperation.
Teachers
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![Woman holding a fall-themed floral wreath with sunflowers and autumn leaves, smiling indoors.]()
Graciela "Tia" Tejada
A little extra-summarized bit about me: I was born and raised in El Salvador and emigrated to the United States as a young adult. Since then, I got married to Miguel, had three beautiful kids of our own (two boys and one girl), and got my degree at SFSU (Go Gators!). And with more than 25 years of experience as a teacher in early childhood education and a BA in Early Childhood Education, it may be no surprise to anyone that I just love helping little kids grow and reach their potential.
Aside from my passion for teaching, I love trying new restaurants with my family, traveling to different countries, and going on long walks.
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![Smiling man surrounded by green leaves in a garden setting.]()
Miguel Tejada
My story is really similar to Graciela's - in fact, we actually met in high school in El Salvador!
Prior to joining Mi Second Casa, I was a manager at Xerox for more than 10 years, working in various corporate offices such as Siebel, Intel, and Sutter Health. However, after doing that for some time, I knew that I wanted something more so in 2012 I decided to join Mi Second Casa full time as a teacher and I haven't looked back since.
I have enjoyed it so much that I went to Cañada College to recieve 24 units in Early Childhood Education. It gives me great joy in being able to impact these young children's lives positively and it is something that I have always cherished.
When I'm not working you can find me watching a Warriors game, fishing with my kids, or trying to keep up with Graciela on her long walks 😁
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Maestra Maria
I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and grew up in a loving family with three siblings. Today, I’m a wife, mother, and passionate early childhood educator with over 11 years of experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Preschool Education and a master’s degree in Basic Education.
I love creating warm, engaging spaces where children feel safe, curious, and confident. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for walks, running at sunset, listening to podcasts, and watching my favorite TV series. I’m also a big fan of seafood, Mexican food, and matcha!
I’m excited to bring my experience, kindness, and creativity to the Mi Second Casa community.
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Maestra Sandra
My name is Maestra Sandra, and I bring over 10 years of experience working with young children in preschool programs in Guatemala. I also hold an Associate’s degree in Education in Guatemala, and I truly enjoy supporting children as they grow through play, exploration, and daily routines.
I love creating a warm and welcoming classroom where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. One of my favorite parts of teaching is helping children develop independence, social skills, and confidence in their Spanish language through meaningful activities and connection.
As a native Spanish speaker, I am very happy to be part of the Spanish immersion environment at Mi Second Casa, and I look forward to getting to know each child and family in our community.
